World Series trophy made a stop at Porthole

The Daily Item

Wednesday, March 2, 2005

The Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce and the First Book-Lynn Local Advisory Board recently welcomed the 2004 Boston Red Sox World Championship Trophy to the Porthole Restaurant. 

More than 100 LACC members were on hand to receive a personalized photo with the traveling trophy after making a dontation to First Book-Lynn.

Last year, the Lynn Area Chamber of Commerce recognized the work being done by First Book-Lynn and designated the group as the Chamber's preferred local charity. 

Chamber President Rich Gorham and Executive Director Kevin Donahue have made a recommitment and pledged to raise $10,000 this year. 

"We wanted to try and do something special for our members and for First Book-Lynn," Donahue said. "We were fortunate our fellow chamber member Vincent Williams of Jazzy Sportswear works with the organization and helped pave the way for today's event."

First Book-Lynn LAB members helped out by collecting donations at the door. Each individualized picture raised $25 for First Book-Lynn.

 "It can't get much better than this, unless we do it again next year", LAB Co-Chair Bill Bochnak said. "I just can't thank everyone enough; it looks like we were able to raise over $2,000 in less then two hours. The Chamber members, my fellow advisory board members were all great and the guys from City Fitness, Jason O'Brien and his team provided the refreshments and coffee, and considering how early it  is we can't thank you enough." 

The ownership of the Boston Red Sox and State Treasure Tim Cahill jointly sponsored the traveling trophy. 

First Book is a National Non-Profit Organization whose mission is to provide brand new books to low income children. 

First Book-Lynn was established in March 2002. Their efforts, combined with local partnerships have donated to date over 6,000 brand new books in the city. 

This past year, Not only did the LACC designate First Book-Lynn as a preferred local charity, but also donated $10,000, the organization's largest single donation. 

This donation, combined with founding corporate sponsor KeySpan and American Ref-Fuel, translated into 8,485 brand new books, many of which are on the way. The following is a list of the groups who have benefited from the program: Catholic Charities Childcare, 570 new books; Boys & Girls Club of Lynn 1,440 new books; Lynn Community Health Center 2,000 new books; JOI Child Care Center 1,350 new books; Hood Elementary After School Program, 350 new books; La Vida Youth Enrichment Services, 525 new books; and Girls Inc., 2,250 new books.